Draughtboard Shark
The Draughtboard Shark is a type of catshark endemic to the Great Southern Reef. It spends the day resting in caves and crevices and hunts at night. When it feels threatened, the Draughtboard Shark can swallow water to inflate, making it appear larger in size.
Draughtboard Shark
Australian Swellshark, Swell Shark
Cephaloscyllium laticeps
Scyliorhinidae
A stocky, slow-moving shark with a broad, rounded head. It has a mottled pattern of dark brown spots on its paler body.
1 to 1.5 metres
Whenever the Draughtboard Shark feels threatened they can gulp down water to inflate their body and make them look larger than they are.
They are incredibly tough, and can survive out of water for more than a day due to their physiological resilience.
Rocky and sandy bottoms, kelp and reefs. They usually rest in caves, ledges and crevices during the day.
Small fishes, squid, octopus, crabs, crayfish, lobsters and sea squirts.
Females lay pairs of ridged egg cases about every 20 to 30 days. Eggs are laid year round and attached to seaweed and invertebrates such as sponges. The young hatch after about 12 months.
They are endemic to the Great Southern Reef.
Commercial and recreational bycatch and habitat disturbance.
Frequently asked questions about the Draughtboard Shark
What does the Draughtboard Shark eat?
Small fishes, squid, octopus, crabs, crayfish, lobsters and sea squirts.
Where can I see the Draughtboard Shark in Tasmania?
They are endemic to the Great Southern Reef.
Is the Draughtboard Shark endangered?
What does the Draughtboard Shark look like?
Whenever the Draughtboard Shark feels threatened they can gulp down water to inflate their body and make them look larger than they are.
Where does the Draughtboard Shark live?
Rocky and sandy bottoms, kelp and reefs. They usually rest in caves, ledges and crevices during the day.
What threats does the Draughtboard Shark face?
Commercial and recreational bycatch and habitat disturbance.
How does the Draughtboard Shark breed and reproduce?
Females lay pairs of ridged egg cases about every 20 to 30 days. Eggs are laid year round and attached to seaweed and invertebrates such as sponges. The young hatch after about 12 months.
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